Statement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
On the release of the Evaluation of the Taxonomic Status of the Preble’s
Meadow Jumping Mouse

July 24, 2006

Contact: Diane Katzenberger 303-236-4578

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released a
report developed by Sustainable Ecosystems Institute (SEI) analyzing the
results of several genetic studies seeking to determine whether the
Preble’s meadow jumping mouse is a valid subspecies.

The report is one component of information that will
be evaluated and taken into consideration as the Service makes its final
decision on whether to delist the mouse. We will also take into
consideration all scientific research relating to this issue, as well as
peer reviews and public comments.

Dr. Rob Roy Ramey and Dr. Tim King led separate
investigations on the genetics of meadow jumping mice that reached
differing conclusions on whether the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse
constituted a valid subspecies. The Service subsequently contracted SEI to
convene an expert panel of scientists to analyze, assess, and weigh the
reasons why the conclusions of King et al differed from the conclusions of
Ramey et al.

To ensure an open and transparent process, the panel
discussions, presentations by scientists, and question and answer periods
were conducted in a public forum. The role of SEI and the expert panel
was to provide an impartial evaluation of the two studies.
SEI was chosen because they have an established
reputation for scientific excellence, and experience in using science
review panels to resolve endangered species issues.

The Service believes this process resulted in a
valuable report. The Service appreciates the work of the expert panel and
SEI, and has confidence in the integrity of this deliberative process in
providing a comprehensive and transparent evaluation of the available
science.